Search

I had a pretty good weekend signing books at Berrington Hall, near Leominster,. Selling books is important, but getting the message out there is probably more important. I had another author come up to me to ask advice about publishing. And I had to put my other hat on to answer him.

Eating the Owl is beginning to pick up again after a slowish start, and I am pleased that readers who bought Most Secret keep coming back to buy the second instalment, Down in the Flood.

It is always good good to have unbiased and independent information when trying to make a decision, such as who to elect as the next Labour Party leader. So I am grateful to the British tabloid press for explaining what the statements of one candidate actually mean:

HOW TO SPEAK CORBYN:

A HEADLINE-WRITER’S GUIDE

How to deal with a politician who gives woolly, measured answers instead of soundbltes? Simple! Just do the job for him.

What Corbyn says: [asked if Tony Blair should/ace trial] “If he’s committed a war crime, yes. Everyone who’s committed a war crime should be … Is he going to be tried for it, I don’t know. Could he be tried for it? Possibly.”

What the headline says: “Tony Blair must face trial for war crimes, says Jeremy Corbyn.” Express, 5 August

What Corbyn says: “I want there to be a Labour majority government, but if there isn’t a Labour majority but a minority and we’ve got to work with other parties probably on the basis of a day-to-day arrangement or an a supply arrangement -then do that, but obviously you’d have to work with other parties to get things through.”

What the headline says: “Corbyn: I’d do deal with SNP to get into power” -Daily Mail, 6August

What Corbyn says: “I think we should talk about what the objectives of the party are, whether that’s restoring the Clause Four as it was originally written or it’s a different one, but I think we shouldn’t shy away from public participation, public investment in industry and public control of the railways. I’m interested in the idea that we have a more inclusive, clearer set of objectives. I would want us to have a set of objectives which does include public ownership of some necessary things such as rail.”

What the headline says: “Corbyn: ‘I’ll bring back Clause Four’.” -Independent on Sunday, 9 August

What Corbyn says: “What is security? Is security the ability to bomb, maim, kill, destroy, or is security the ability to get on with other people and have some kind of respectful existence with them?”

What the headline says: “Corbyn hints at Russia ties.” Telegraph, 11 August

What Corbyn doesn’t say: “When the Telegraph asked Mr Corbyn ahead of a BBC interview in central London if he would join the Privy Council this week he declined to answer.”

What the headline says: “Jeremy Corbyn to refuse position on Queen’s Privy Council if he wins Labour leadership’.” -Telegraph, 11 August

What Corbyn says: “One option would be for the Bank of England to be given a new mandate to upgrade our economy to invest in new large-scale housing, energy, transport and digital projects: Quantitative easing for people instead of banks.”

What the headline says: “Corbyn’s bid to turn Britain into Zimbabwe.” -Telegraph, 11 August

What Corbyn says: “I do think the salary levels and the bonus levels again have to be looked at. Some of it is ludicrous and so I am looking at the gap in every organisation between highest and lowest levels of pay.”

What the headline says: “Watch out! Corbyn targets ‘EVERY’ organisation in Britain as he vows to cut ‘ludicrous’ salaries paid to company bosses.” -Mail Online, 14August

What Corbyn says: “If anyone wants to express an opinion that’s absolutely fine. But I would hope that people who have served in government and many other places would actually discuss policies and not involve themselves in demolishing somebody else’s character or questioning their abilities. I just, think that is a pathetic way of doing things ‘and they should be stronger on the policy issues.”

What Corbyn says: “My intention would be to make public transport safer for everyone from the train platform, to the bus stop to the mode of transport itself. However, I would consult with women and open it up to hear their views on whether women-only carriages would be welcome -and also if piloting this at times and modes of transport where harassment is reported most frequently would be of interest.”